Becoming a Zero Waste Family by Lissa S chneckenb u rger
Here it is, my family’s little pile of trash and recycling after two weeks of a #zerowastechallenge.
N ote : This piece was previously published on the 350Vermont blog on January 22, 2021.
Last year (what now seems like a pre-pandemic lifetime ago) my family embarked on a Zero Waste Challenge & Letter Writing Campaign. Inspired by a 99% Invisible episode called “National Sword,” our challenge was to go two weeks without putting anything in our trash can or recycling bin, and to write letters to amplify our cause. We decided to turn it into a public Facebook event so that others could do the challenge with us and share ideas, tips, feedback, and frustrations (bit.ly/ zerowasteandletterwritingchallenge). Why go broke trying every variety of biodegradable dental floss when you can divide and share notes, right? We did a lot of reusing and simply not buying stuff, but it was still REALLY HARD! Everyone should do a challenge like this with their family and friends at least once — not only as a way to cut down on waste, but also to experience how infuriating it is on a personal level and then channel that frustration into contacting companies and policy makers who can make widespread change. The idea that companies can fill our homes with trash in the form of packaging, empties, and single-use items without the responsibility of cleaning it up is ludicrous. Putting pressure on businesses and our representatives to do better, and to alleviate that burden from consumers and taxpayers, is crucial. Contrary to what you’ll find when you google “zero waste,” you don’t have to buy anything to get on board. If you’re on a budget and have the time, you can make natural body care products in reusable containers that you’ve salvaged from the recycling bin. However, I’m a full-time musician and a parent, so my recipe for homemade chapstick is still hanging on the fridge unused. As
